Search By Records

Allegheny Public Records

Allegheny County is the second largest county in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest counties in the United States overall. Allegheny County public records are available through a variety of sources, depending on the type of information requested. Vital records, such as birth and death certificates, may be available through a centralized public library system, while court records may be obtained directly through Allegheny County court offices. The main office for a public records search in Allegheny makes this research process much easier to navigate.

To initiate an Allegheny County public records search, complete the following steps:

Complete a public records request form, which can be found on the county’s website.

Provide sufficient detail to make it easy for the county office to determine which record you are requesting.

Include contact information for the person wishing to receive the information.

State how Allegheny County public records will be picked up (fax, mail, in person, online, etc.).

Include the appropriate fee for the copy of the public records requested, if applicable.

Where to Initiate an Allegheny County Public Records Search

There are a number of offices that allow interested parties to initiate a free public records search in Allegheny County, depending on the specific information requested. Allegheny vital records, such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and divorce decrees, can be found through the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh or through the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Civil and family court records can be obtained through the Allegheny County Department of Court Records. Other court documents can be found through the appropriate court in the state. Census records are located in the PA Room of the Carnegie Main Library.

What You Can Find in Public Records in Allegheny County

A wealth of history and vital information may be discovered when you search public records in Allegheny County. Birth and death records dating all the way back to 1906 are available to family members interested in learning more about their ancestors that were born or died in Allegheny. Searching for files older than 1906 is allowed by any interested parties, but the records may not be as accurate or complete during that earlier time frame. Property deeds date all the way back to 1789, and census records go back to 1790.

Finding Allegheny County Public Records Online

It is not easy to find Allegheny County public records online at this point. The government offices that issue information like birth and death certificates will only do so in person or by mail. Pennsylvania public records searches cannot be conducted directly by individuals due to the privacy laws of Pennsylvania; instead request forms are mailed to the appropriate office, and the subsequent results are then sent to interested parties.